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Radiologist barred in Australia over US child sex charges moves to New Zealand Radiologist barred in Australia over US child sex charges moves to New Zealand
(about 17 hours later)
A radiologist who had his registration to practise medicine in Australia cancelled after it was revealed he had fled the US before he could face trial on child sex predator charges has left the country.A radiologist who had his registration to practise medicine in Australia cancelled after it was revealed he had fled the US before he could face trial on child sex predator charges has left the country.
Guardian Australia has confirmed that Max Mehta left the country early in June and is now living in New Zealand.Guardian Australia has confirmed that Max Mehta left the country early in June and is now living in New Zealand.
In 2014 Guardian Australia revealed that Mehta, a radiologist, had been charged in Dallas, Texas, in May 2004 for allegedly grooming a 15-year-old deaf girl for sex in an online chatroom. The “girl” was in fact a police officer.In 2014 Guardian Australia revealed that Mehta, a radiologist, had been charged in Dallas, Texas, in May 2004 for allegedly grooming a 15-year-old deaf girl for sex in an online chatroom. The “girl” was in fact a police officer.
Mehta skipped bail of $100,000 and absconded to New Zealand in 2005 before he could face court and, because he had not been convicted or appeared in court, he passed police, immigration and work history checks. In New Zealand he changed his name by deed poll to Robert Taylor.Mehta skipped bail of $100,000 and absconded to New Zealand in 2005 before he could face court and, because he had not been convicted or appeared in court, he passed police, immigration and work history checks. In New Zealand he changed his name by deed poll to Robert Taylor.
In 2008 he was granted New Zealand citizenship and, after obtaining a New Zealand Trans-Tasman visa, he came to Australia in 2009.In 2008 he was granted New Zealand citizenship and, after obtaining a New Zealand Trans-Tasman visa, he came to Australia in 2009.
Related: Max Mehta, who fled US child sex predator charge, has medical registration cancelledRelated: Max Mehta, who fled US child sex predator charge, has medical registration cancelled
Once in Australia, Mehta practised medicine in Victoria and Western Australia. Guardian Australia further revealed that Mehta had provided medical care to asylum seekers on Christmas Island. At no point did he disclose his child sex charges when applying for Australian jobs.Once in Australia, Mehta practised medicine in Victoria and Western Australia. Guardian Australia further revealed that Mehta had provided medical care to asylum seekers on Christmas Island. At no point did he disclose his child sex charges when applying for Australian jobs.
In March, following a lengthy investigation by the state administrative tribunal of Western Australia, Mehta had his medical registration cancelled and was barred from working as a health practitioner in Australia, or re-applying for his registration, for two years. The US Marshals Service was actively pursuing his extradition to the US.In March, following a lengthy investigation by the state administrative tribunal of Western Australia, Mehta had his medical registration cancelled and was barred from working as a health practitioner in Australia, or re-applying for his registration, for two years. The US Marshals Service was actively pursuing his extradition to the US.
On Friday, Immigration New Zealand [INZ] confirmed Mehta was in that country, still using the name Robert Taylor.On Friday, Immigration New Zealand [INZ] confirmed Mehta was in that country, still using the name Robert Taylor.
“As a New Zealand citizen Mr Taylor is entitled to travel to and from New Zealand whenever he chooses,” an INZ spokeswoman said. “INZ can confirm he’s currently in the country.”“As a New Zealand citizen Mr Taylor is entitled to travel to and from New Zealand whenever he chooses,” an INZ spokeswoman said. “INZ can confirm he’s currently in the country.”
In January 2013 Mehta was found to have forged signatures on medical accreditation documents, including that of his then colleague Dr Rauf Yousef. As a result Yousef began investigating Mehta’s background and discovered the US charges. Yousef alerted several authorities to Mehta’s history, prompting investigations by Australia’s health regulators and the US Marshals Service. In January 2013 Mehta was found to have forged signatures on medical accreditation documents, including that of his then colleague Dr Rauf Yousaf. As a result Yousaf began investigating Mehta’s background and discovered the US charges. Yousaf alerted several authorities to Mehta’s history, prompting investigations by Australia’s health regulators and the US Marshals Service.
Since then, Yousef has allegedly faced ongoing online abuse and threats against his family. Yousef told Guardian Australia that while he was relieved Mehta was no longer in Australia, he was disappointed authorities had failed to extradite him. Since then, Yousaf has allegedly faced ongoing online abuse and threats against his family. Yousaf told Guardian Australia that while he was relieved Mehta was no longer in Australia, he was disappointed authorities had failed to extradite him.
Related: Radiologist on child sex predator charge in US practising in AustraliaRelated: Radiologist on child sex predator charge in US practising in Australia
“The US Marshals have known where he was for two years, and confirmed to me his extradition was approved,” Yousef said. “The authorities have known about him for a long time.” “The US Marshals have known where he was for two years, and confirmed to me his extradition was approved,” Yousaf said. “The authorities have known about him for a long time.”
A letter from the director of the immigration department’s character assessment and cancellations branch to Yousef on 23 June said the department was unable to comment on the specifics of Mehta’s case. A letter from the director of the immigration department’s character assessment and cancellations branch to Yousaf on 23 June said the department was unable to comment on the specifics of Mehta’s case.
The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, was aware of the case, the letter said.The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, was aware of the case, the letter said.
“The Australian government takes its role protecting the Australian community from risk of harm by non-citizens very seriously,” it said.“The Australian government takes its role protecting the Australian community from risk of harm by non-citizens very seriously,” it said.
“Remaining in Australia is a privilege and it is expected that all non-citizens, regardless of how long they have resided in Australia or their nationality, are law-abiding and continue to satisfy the requirements of the character test.”“Remaining in Australia is a privilege and it is expected that all non-citizens, regardless of how long they have resided in Australia or their nationality, are law-abiding and continue to satisfy the requirements of the character test.”
Do you know more? melissa.davey@theguardian.comDo you know more? melissa.davey@theguardian.com